Proposed Wind Farm Threatens Rameswaram's Fragile Coastal Ecosystem

In November 2025, a proposal to establish a 50-MW demonstration wind farm in Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram taluk has sparked concerns among local residents and environmentalists. The project, put forward by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), aims to set up four wind turbines and associated facilities, including a jetty, to support offshore wind energy research.

However, the Dhanushkodi site, classified under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) categories, lies close to the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary and overlaps with fish breeding areas and turtle nesting grounds. Local fishing community representatives have strongly objected, warning that the project could disturb marine life and affect their livelihoods.

District forest officials have also noted that the project report did not account for existing turtle nesting sites and expressed concerns about the potential impact on flamingos that visit the area between December and March. They have recommended a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate the project's effects on seagrass beds, coral reefs, seahorses, and underwater noise levels.

Environmentalists have reiterated these concerns, cautioning that the wind farm's proximity to the flamingo sanctuary could pose risks to bird populations through collision and habitat disturbance. The Ramanathapuram District Coastal Zone Management Authority has decided to forward the proposal to the State Coastal Zone Management Authority, subject to several conditions, including the preparation of a detailed EIA and prior clearance from the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board.